Unit 1: Let’s chat

U N I T 1 :






L E T ’ S







C H A T








W R I T I N G A N E M A I L

P A G E 1 - 1 9
F U L L B L A S T ! P L U S 4

F O R M 4 2 0 2 2

A Read the email and answer the questions










1. Who is writing the email?








2. Why is the person writing?








3. What set of phrases are used to begin and end the email?








4. What makes this email informal?

- X


Hello Mark

How are things? I haven’t heard from you for ages. Anyway, I’ve got some great news.



As you know, I’ve been nagging my parents to get me a laptop for a long time. Well, guess what!

They’re getting me one for my birthday, which by the way, is in two days. Isn’t that incredible
great! news? I won’t need to use my dad’s ancient computer any more and I’ll be able to organise all

my music files and films.
sure! __
__
__
Here’s some more exciting news. I’m having a party on Saturday! Would you like to come? You
know, we haven’t seem you since you changed schools. And it’ll be a good opportunity to see

your old friends. What do you think?



Well, that’s all for now. Write back with all your news. I hope you can make it to my party.




Yours, tell him
Simon

A Read the email and answer the questions










1. Who is writing the email?








2. Why is the person writing?








3. What set of phrases are used to begin and end the email?








4. What makes this email informal?

B. Read Simon’s email again and look at the notes Mark has made.


Match Mark’s notes with the points a-c which show what he should

include in his reply to Simon.





a. give news








b. express enthusiasm








c. accept or refuse an invitation

C. Now read the email that Mark has written to Simon and underline the


sentences that correspond to his notes. Then answer the questions.






1. Is the wording in Mark’s email the same as in his notes?













2. What extra comments or information does he add to his notes?

- X


Hi Simon,


Sorry I haven’t written for so long, but I’ve been quite busy with schoolwork. Thanks

for the invitation, mate! You know I wouldn’t miss your party for the world, so count


me in!


I’m really glad you’re finally getting a laptop. Now it’ll be easier to keep in touch and


we can maybe play some online games. Let me know if you need any more songs for

the party.


Now let me fill you in with my news. My new school is OK and I’m doing quite well. __
__
However, I haven’t made many new friends yet. There’s this one guy, though, from __

my Science class who seems quite interesting an is absolutely hilarious. He’s into

hip hop like me and actually raps quite well so we’re thinking of creating a band

together. By the way, do you mind if I bring along to your party? We can perform if


you like. Say hello to everyone.


See you soon.



Mark

D. Read the expressions/ phrases in the table,




the situations 1-4 and the notes made. How



would you reply?








Expressing enthusiasm





Wow! That’s great/ wonderful/ fantastic news!





I am / was happy / glad / pleased to hear that…





I couldn’t believe it when I read that…

D. Read the expressions/ phrases in the table,




the situations 1-4 and the notes made. How



would you reply?






Accepting an invitation





Sounds brilliant/ perfect! Sure!





Thanks for inviting me to…/ asking me to join you.





How could I say no?





Count me in.

D. Read the expressions/ phrases in the table,




the situations 1-4 and the notes made. How



would you reply?






Refusing an invitation





I’m sorry but I have to… maybe some other time.





I’m afraid I can’t make it because…




It was nice of you ro invite me, but I’ve already




made other plans.





Unfortunately, I’ll have to let you down.

D. Read the expressions/ phrases in the table,




the situations 1-4 and the notes made. How



would you reply?






Giving news




Well, here’s the latest.




Let me fill you in.





You won’t believe what happened to me the other day!




You asked me to tell you about … so here goes.




Here’s an update of what’s happening in my life.

1. My friends and I are going camping this




weekend. Do you want to join us? can’t / have flu

2. Guess what! I passed all my exams.





fantastic

3. So, how was the party? not good /left early

4. My cousin drom Vietnam is visiting and we’re



thinking of going bowling tonight. How about




coming along? sure

E. Imaging that Simon is a friend of yours




and has sent you an email in activity A. Write



an email responding to Simon, but refusing




his invitation. You can use Mark’s email as a




model, but you must use your own ideas




and other expressions / phrases.

When writing an informal letter / email,




follow the plan below.







GREETING




➢Greet the person you’re writing to.




• Hello Frank!


• Dear Uncle Greg,




• Hi Mum,



• Dearest Jane,

OPENING PARAGRAPH










➢Begin your letter /email and say why you’re writing. Use

phrases like:



• How are you (keeping)?


• How are things? I hope everything’s OK.



• Thanks for your letter / email.


• Sorry I haven’t written for so long, but …



• It’s taken me ages to reply, but…


• I’ve been meaning to hear from you again.



• I’m writing to tell you / let you know.

MAIN PART (2-3 PARAGRAPHS)










• Mention everything you want to include in your letter / email.


Don’t forget to refer to the notes, if any.

CLOSING PARAGRAPH






➢State anything you want to emphasise and end your letter / email.

Use phrases like:



• I must go now.


• Well, that’s all for now.


• Write back soon.



• Waiting for your letter / email / reply.


• I’m looking forward to hearing from you.



• Say hello to…


• Give my love / regards to everyone.


• Keep in touch.

SIGNING OFF










• Use a signature ending and your first name below.



• Yours,



• Hugs and kisses,



• Bye for now,



• Best wishes,



• All the best,



• Love,



• Take care,

When writing an informal letter or an email based on prompts,


• use the appropriate layout ( refer Full Blast! Plus 4 page 170).


• use informal language and expressions (e.g. well. Of course, anyway, you know, you see,

actually, by the way).


• use short forms (e.g. I’m, didn’t)


• use exclamations (e.g. That’s great!)


• use direct questions (e.g. What are you up to?)


• use standard grammar and spelling conventions.


Avoid forms such as wanna, cu i8r, etc.

• read the prompts carefully and include all the points in the notes in your answer.


• don’t just copy the notes. Try to rephrases them and add any comments and / or information

that is relevant.


• Use appropriate expressions / phrases to express enthusiasm, accept or refuse an invitation,

give news, etc. ( see activity D)